Police detained numerous individuals following violent protests in parts of England and Northern Ireland on Saturday, as the government vowed severe measures against those it accused of using the murder of three girls to incite chaos. Violent demonstrations involving hundreds of anti-immigration groups have flared up in various towns and cities across Britain after three girls were brutally killed in a knife assault at a children's dance class in Southport, northwest England, last week. The murders were exploited by anti-immigrant groups as misinformation circulated that the suspect was a radical migrant. Police confirmed the suspect was a British native.
On Saturday, widespread violent disturbances occurred in cities across the country, including Liverpool, Bristol, Hull, and Stoke-on-Trent, as well as the town of Blackpool, with local police reporting at least 87 arrests. There was also unrest in Manchester and Belfast. Shops and businesses were vandalized and looted, a library in Liverpool was set ablaze, and several police officers were injured, according to police statements.
"Criminal violence and thuggery on our streets will not be tolerated," said interior minister Yvette Cooper late on Saturday. "Police forces have my full support in ensuring that those who engage in criminal disorder face the strongest possible penalties." Saturday's protests were the most extensive following several days of disorder after the murders. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that they are the result of deliberate actions by the far-right, orchestrated by a "group of individuals who are absolutely bent on violence," rather than legitimate protest. The last major outbreak of violent protests across Britain occurred in 2011 when thousands took to the streets after police shot a Black man dead in London.
